Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – In a step aiming to secure the country’s growing energy needs, Iraq signed a deal on Thursday to build the Al Faw gas-fired power plant with a capacity of 3,000 megawatts.
A ceremony attended by the Iraqi Electricity Minister Ziyad Ali Fadel was held in the southern Iraqi province of Basra to sign the deal, which is considered the largest step in the energy sector in southern Iraq.
Fadel indicated that the project is being implemented by US-based General Electric (GE), the state-run news agency (INA) reported.
The combined-cycle power plant will consist of four gas units and two steam units, with modern saltwater desalination technology used to satisfy operation requirements.
Under the provisions of the deal, and for the first time in Iraq’s history, the investing company is responsible for supplying the gas required to operate the power plant, an important change compared to previous contracts that put all responsibility for fuel delivery on the state.
Fadel underscored the government’s commitment to overcoming any obstacles that may hinder the completion of new power plant projects across Iraq.
